As of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: This object, "As of Antoninus Pius," is a copper coin depicting, well, Antoninus Pius himself! It’s small, naturally, and looks pretty worn. What stories do you think it could tell? Curator: Ah, this humble coin whispers of empire. Imagine the hands it passed through, each a tiny ripple in history. The portrait, though worn, speaks of idealized power, while the depiction of the goddess, perhaps Annona, evokes the promise of prosperity. It's a miniature propaganda piece, wouldn't you say? Editor: Propaganda, even on a coin! I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way. Curator: Absolutely! Every detail carefully considered to project an image. This piece connects us to everyday life in the Roman Empire, a tangible link to the past. Don’t you find that incredible? Editor: I do, actually. It makes it much more interesting than just an old coin. Curator: Exactly! It’s like holding a piece of a story.